Charity Launches Fundraiser to Honor Beloved Volunteer Legacy

A charity dedicated to creating rare tactile books for blind children has initiated a fundraiser in memory of a long-serving volunteer. The campaign aims to ensure that the treasured stories crafted over two decades by Len Webb continue to reach young readers. Based in Kingsclere, the organization, known as Living Paintings, produces unique storybooks that allow children to explore literature through touch and sound.

These tactile books are not only costly to produce but also require extensive time and meticulous care for repairs after they are loved and used. More than 5,000 children benefit from the service, which is now launching a special Christmas campaign following the passing of Len Webb in June 2023 at the age of 89.

Continuing a Legacy of Care

The campaign, named “Len’s Repair Shop,” serves to honor Webb’s commitment to the organization while ensuring the future of the books that he so passionately worked on. Camilla Oldland, the charity’s chief executive, emphasized the significance of these repairs. “Imagine your child’s favourite bedtime book – the one they ask for every night. Now imagine it’s one of only a handful in the world made for them. That’s why every repair matters. Because every child deserves a story that fits in their hands,” she stated.

While many families have access to children’s books through shops and libraries, tactile books for blind children remain scarce. Each repaired book signifies not just an act of sustainability, but also an opportunity for young blind readers to experience the same joy of storytelling as their sighted peers. Oldland added, “For years, Len carefully and expertly repaired our special books, extending their life and ensuring more children can access stories.”

Support Through Donations

The Christmas campaign aims to secure the vital future of the repair program that Len Webb was so proud of. Donations can be made through the Living Paintings website, with every £50 contributing to the repair of one book. All funds raised will directly support materials, tools, and volunteer training necessary to maintain ongoing book repair programs.

“Every donation helps to keep our books in circulation, providing access to stories that are otherwise hard to come by,” Oldland explained. The charity encourages individuals to join in this effort to celebrate Webb’s legacy and extend the reach of tactile literature to more children in need.

To participate in this meaningful initiative, visit livingpaintings.org and contribute to Len’s Repair Shop. With community support, Living Paintings aims to ensure that every child, regardless of their visual ability, can enjoy the magic of stories.